Burnley new shopping centre moves step closer

LONG-ANTICIPATED plans to dramatically transform Burnley’s shopping centre with an array of new stores, cafes and a car park have moved a step closer.

After years in the pipeline, the proposals for the Curzon Street area, formerly known as The Oval development, have been submitted to Burnley Council’s planning department by developers Henry Boot.

Council leader Coun. Charlie Briggs said the announcement was good news for the town.

“This is yet more good news and another big step towards making this new shopping complex a reality,” he said.

“The plans set out a clear vision for the future of that part of the town centre. These things don’t happen overnight but we’re getting there.

“Burnley faces stiff competition from other towns and cities and we have to offer shoppers as wide a range of shops as possible to bring them to Burnley to spend their money.

“Not only will this new shopping centre bring a better choice for shoppers, it will also benefit existing businesses by bring more visitors to our town and create new jobs.”

High street giants Primark and Next have signed up to take the two largest units in the new complex, equivalent to almost half the 150,000 square feet of space that will be created.

Bosses at Henry Boot Developments say they are working with other well-known names to get them on board.

Mr Adam Brady, from Henry Boot, said: “We are currently in negotiations with a number of high profile retailers and look forward to making further announcements in due course.”

The planning application is expected to be decided by the council’s Development Control Committee in April. It is hoped building work will begin during the second half of the year and the new shops will open around two years after that.